Divali Message
Happy Divali Greetings to all,
Imagine a world without light, without physical, mental or metaphysical light. Imagine always living in darkness, without hope, in a dark tunnel without light at the end. Such visions are often quite easy to picture when one contemplates the unsettling world of Maya, the concept of Hell and the variety of challenges that humanity faces, from individual crises to global emergencies. The consciousness can be overwhelmed with negativity and we can feel helpless and fatalistic. We can feel bogged down by the constant turn of events and troubles that persist and seem to go round and round without end. We can really begin to wonder what life is all about, the purpose and indeed our individual meaning. It is at this point that we can truly benefit by prioritising the spiritual quest - or search - and turning to the perennial Teachings that Svamiji offers so beautifully, so spontaneously and so patiently. As He has said: “There is so much to learn from the myths of High Beings”...We can remind ourselves of this ever flowing resource that can uplift us and let us rise above the mundane issues and become an example to ourselves and others who are fellow passengers, fellow travellers along the journey of life.
A key support system is the Lunar Calendar. As has been explained tirelessly by Sri Svamiji the profound meaning of apparently beautiful legends that underpin the various festivals brings hope, meaning and joy as we delve into the constant and eternal debate that persists over good and evil, light and darkness, love and hate. Each festival reminds us of the potential for good to triumph over evil, for light to overcome darkness and love to conquer hate. At this time, for five days around 27 October, we are reminded of the struggle of humanity and these forces during the well known festival of Divali. Divali is one of the most significant festivals in the Lunar Calendar and is celebrated across the world, especially in the Indian Subcontinent. As it is celebrated across the the entire nation many visitors come to India to engage with this energy. Known as the Festival of Lights Divali is a five day celebration. As has been explained before, friends and loved ones unite to light 'Diyas' or earthen lamps in their homes, enjoy sweets, exchange gifts, show generosity and do puja to invoke Lakshmi Ma. The festival is celebrated on 'Amavasya' or no moon night: it heralds the dawn of a New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. Divali is a harbinger of new beginnings as it is believed that Lakshmi visits the houses of devotees in the middle of the dark night, giving blessings for health, wealth and happiness.
The origin of Divali is found in ancient or Vedic times in India. There are various versions: some believe that Divali honours the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Vishnu: others, the birthday of Lakshmi. For most people Divali celebrates the return of Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, from his 14-year-long exile to the Ayodhya kingdom. The people of Ayodhya celebrated by illuminating the entire kingdom with earthen Diyas, thereby creating the festival of lights.
The first day of Divali is Dhanteras, the beginning of the new financial year for Hindus. The second day is Chhoti Divali which is a reminder of the victory of Krishna over the demon king Naraka. The third day is the main Divali celebration: this involves worshipping Lakshmi and celebrating her birth from Samudra Manthan. The fourth day is known as Govardhan Puja to rejoice in the triumph of Vishnu over Bali, the demon king, as well as the victory of Krishna over Indra. The fifth or final day of Divali is known as Bhai Dooj honoring the loving relationship and bond of brothers and sisters.
At this time it is recommended to celebrate Divali with Lakshmi Puja which is a major ceremony when prayers are offered to Lakshmi Ma for a better year filled with wealth, health, peace and prosperity. This is done by lighting an oil lamp or Diyas in front of the Murti followed by prayers and aarti that include hymns and mantras. The celebrants often clean the Murti with gangajal or milk and water, apply haldi and kumkum and offer flowers, sweets and coconut to Lakshmi Ma in order to receive her blessings.
Such rituals serve as a vital reminder of our humility and spiritual protection that can be sought whenever we are ready in heart and mind. What a beautiful contemplation! Let us all remember such blessings and let us make our Divali Sankalpa to implement the Teachings each and every moment of our lives under the ongoing Guidance of our beloved SatGuru.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Dr Linda S Spedding
International Lawyer and Advisor
Vice President, Adhyatmik Foundation Inc.
Imagine a world without light, without physical, mental or metaphysical light. Imagine always living in darkness, without hope, in a dark tunnel without light at the end. Such visions are often quite easy to picture when one contemplates the unsettling world of Maya, the concept of Hell and the variety of challenges that humanity faces, from individual crises to global emergencies. The consciousness can be overwhelmed with negativity and we can feel helpless and fatalistic. We can feel bogged down by the constant turn of events and troubles that persist and seem to go round and round without end. We can really begin to wonder what life is all about, the purpose and indeed our individual meaning. It is at this point that we can truly benefit by prioritising the spiritual quest - or search - and turning to the perennial Teachings that Svamiji offers so beautifully, so spontaneously and so patiently. As He has said: “There is so much to learn from the myths of High Beings”...We can remind ourselves of this ever flowing resource that can uplift us and let us rise above the mundane issues and become an example to ourselves and others who are fellow passengers, fellow travellers along the journey of life.
A key support system is the Lunar Calendar. As has been explained tirelessly by Sri Svamiji the profound meaning of apparently beautiful legends that underpin the various festivals brings hope, meaning and joy as we delve into the constant and eternal debate that persists over good and evil, light and darkness, love and hate. Each festival reminds us of the potential for good to triumph over evil, for light to overcome darkness and love to conquer hate. At this time, for five days around 27 October, we are reminded of the struggle of humanity and these forces during the well known festival of Divali. Divali is one of the most significant festivals in the Lunar Calendar and is celebrated across the world, especially in the Indian Subcontinent. As it is celebrated across the the entire nation many visitors come to India to engage with this energy. Known as the Festival of Lights Divali is a five day celebration. As has been explained before, friends and loved ones unite to light 'Diyas' or earthen lamps in their homes, enjoy sweets, exchange gifts, show generosity and do puja to invoke Lakshmi Ma. The festival is celebrated on 'Amavasya' or no moon night: it heralds the dawn of a New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. Divali is a harbinger of new beginnings as it is believed that Lakshmi visits the houses of devotees in the middle of the dark night, giving blessings for health, wealth and happiness.
The origin of Divali is found in ancient or Vedic times in India. There are various versions: some believe that Divali honours the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Vishnu: others, the birthday of Lakshmi. For most people Divali celebrates the return of Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, from his 14-year-long exile to the Ayodhya kingdom. The people of Ayodhya celebrated by illuminating the entire kingdom with earthen Diyas, thereby creating the festival of lights.
The first day of Divali is Dhanteras, the beginning of the new financial year for Hindus. The second day is Chhoti Divali which is a reminder of the victory of Krishna over the demon king Naraka. The third day is the main Divali celebration: this involves worshipping Lakshmi and celebrating her birth from Samudra Manthan. The fourth day is known as Govardhan Puja to rejoice in the triumph of Vishnu over Bali, the demon king, as well as the victory of Krishna over Indra. The fifth or final day of Divali is known as Bhai Dooj honoring the loving relationship and bond of brothers and sisters.
At this time it is recommended to celebrate Divali with Lakshmi Puja which is a major ceremony when prayers are offered to Lakshmi Ma for a better year filled with wealth, health, peace and prosperity. This is done by lighting an oil lamp or Diyas in front of the Murti followed by prayers and aarti that include hymns and mantras. The celebrants often clean the Murti with gangajal or milk and water, apply haldi and kumkum and offer flowers, sweets and coconut to Lakshmi Ma in order to receive her blessings.
Such rituals serve as a vital reminder of our humility and spiritual protection that can be sought whenever we are ready in heart and mind. What a beautiful contemplation! Let us all remember such blessings and let us make our Divali Sankalpa to implement the Teachings each and every moment of our lives under the ongoing Guidance of our beloved SatGuru.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Dr Linda S Spedding
International Lawyer and Advisor
Vice President, Adhyatmik Foundation Inc.